Climbing - Shoes and Boots
Every climber needs foot covering. Only the simplest, shortest kind of climb could be done barefooted, and then only for a short time. But that isn't mountain climbing, it's just hiking without shoes or boots.
Which shoes or boots you choose depends on the type of climbing you intend to do. Ice climbing requires a different style from an ordinary high mountain climb, though both are done in cold temperatures. Simple rock climbing or bouldering requires an entirely different type of foot covering.
For those who like to 'rough it' keep in mind that choosing good shoes and boots isn't just a matter of comfort. Producing blisters and sores may make you think you're tough. But open wounds can easily get infected and bring your climb to a halt. Frostbite can cause permanent nerve damage. Footwear is one place you should definitely pamper yourself.
Boots will weigh between roughly 3-4 lbs, depending on size and the presence or absence of any additional liners inside or out. In general, lighter is better but a balance has to be achieved between weight and durability, thermal control and protection. That's where modern materials come into play.
For cold climbs, you'll need some kind of inner insulation and probably an outer covering as well. Thinsulate and other modern materials are a godsend to modern climbing. They provide ample heat containment with negligible weight. Gore-Tex exteriors and added compounds help keep the outside dry, in order to keep the inside dry.
Even on warmer trips, you'll need something durable and non-slip. Composites of leather, modern plastics and rubber, and other materials have seen a revolution in the past 20 years. Vibram lugs with computer designed patterns help keep you upright, while non-stick soles keep you steady.
Rock climbing or bouldering shoes, on the other hand, are an entirely different type of foot covering. These are ultra-light weight 'running shoe' style gear. They have thin sides and soles, often nylon or cloth around the exterior covered with a thin rubber-like bottom and sides. The goal of rock climbing shoes is to provide the lowest weight, highest friction possible for your foot.
You can choose between board-lasted shoes and slip-lasted. The former are stiffer, while slip-lasted are softer and allow a better 'feel of the road' as it were.
Board-lasted shoes help when you have to stick your feet in cracks or try to stand on narrow ledges with just your toes. Slip-lasted are preferred when you have to do a lot of smearing, this is climbing without definite holds. On most trips, you'll probably want to bring at least one pair of each.
Whichever style shoe or boot you choose, fit is very important. Even feet the same shoe size vary in detail from person to person. And getting the right shape - around the edge, across the top, and in the toe and heel - is vital. You'll be wearing them under trying conditions and the last thing you need to think about during the trip is your feet.
So, spend the time before you leave thinking about them, in order to get a few pair that fit you like the proverbial glove.
